Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Brewer's spent grain: Unveiling innovative applications in the food and packaging industry.

Aradwad P, Raut S, Abdelfattah A, Rauh C, Sturm B.

Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf · 2025

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Summary

This comprehensive review, published in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, surveys the scientific literature on the utilisation of brewer's spent grain — the principal solid by-product of the brewing industry — across food ingredient and sustainable packaging applications. The paper likely synthesises evidence on BSG's nutritional profile, including its high dietary fibre and protein content, and evaluates technological approaches to incorporating it into value-added products. The review contributes to the growing body of literature on agri-food by-product valorisation within a circular bioeconomy framework.

UK applicability

The UK has a substantial brewing industry that generates significant volumes of BSG annually, making the findings directly relevant to UK food manufacturers, brewers, and packaging innovators seeking to reduce waste and meet sustainability targets aligned with WRAP and government circular economy policy.

Key measures

Nutritional composition of BSG (protein, fibre, phenolic content); functional properties; application categories in food and packaging; valorisation potential

Outcomes reported

The review examines current and emerging applications of brewer's spent grain (BSG) in food product development and sustainable packaging, assessing its nutritional composition, functional properties, and potential as a circular economy resource. It likely evaluates processing methods and barriers to wider commercial adoption.

Theme
General food systems / other
Subject
Food waste valorisation & circular economy
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Food supply chain
DOI
10.1111/1541-4337.70150
Catalogue ID
NRmo3f02hq-040

Topic tags

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